Delegate O’Donnell Asks Governor O’Malley For Answers on DJS Murder

(Annapolis, MD) Over five months have passed since Maryland Department of Juvenile Services employee Hannah Wheeling was discovered outside her workplace in Prince George’s County, brutally murdered. The apparent perpetrator has been in continuous custody before and ever since the day of the murder. The murder occurred in a state run facility under control of the Department of Juvenile Services. Today, House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell asked Governor O’Malley for answers regarding the case.

“On February 18, Hannah Wheeling was found savagely beaten and sexually assaulted outside a state-run facility according to press reports at that time,” said Delegate O’Donnell. “Today, July 20, there have been no charges filed, and no updates to Maryland citizens on the reasons for the delay, or on actions taken to prevent future tragedies of a similar nature. I have asked the Governor for answers regarding the disposition of the case, and the ongoing silence surrounding it.”

Delegate O’Donnell expressed his concern, and requested answers from the Governor to some basic questions about the situation in a letter hand-delivered to the Governor’s office earlier today. The Minority Leader requested a response to these basic questions be forthcoming in a day or two at the most.

“Members of the public have a right to know that justice is being pursued with proactive determination. If it is not, they have a right to know the reasons why.” said Delegate O’Donnell.

“The public needs assurance that actions have been taken to investigate and correct the failures of the system that allowed this event to occur. If these actions are not taken, citizens have a right to know the reasons why. The Governor has the responsibility to ensure that both the pursuit of swift justice and the prevention of further harm are achieved. He also has a responsibility to keep the public informed, even when it may cause officials in his own administration embarrassment.”